Mayor Robert Bowser seen here in a 2008 file photo.David Gard/The Star-Ledger

EAST ORANGE — The June 4 primary election — which for the Democratic bastion of East Orange essentially secures victory for a candidate — is still several months away.

Even the filing deadline for primary races is more than two months down the road. And the current mayor — Robert Bowser — has been elected every election since 1997.

But Democrats in East Orange are smelling blood in the water since their 77-year-old incumbent mayor has for the first time in 12 years failed to win the support from the city's Democratic Committee, and, by extension, the powerful county Democratic machine, for the upcoming race.

Lester TaylorCourtesy of Lester Taylor

Instead, the local and county Democratic leadership have embraced newcomer Lester Taylor, a partner at the politically connected law firm Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt and Fader. Also jockeying for the mayor's seat are Democrats Kevin Taylor and Carol Clark.

“This is not a knock on Mayor Bowser. I just think it’s time,” said LeRoy Jones, chairman of the city’s Democratic committee, who backs Lester Taylor. “I think it is time new leadership be given a chance to lead in East Orange.”

Despite losing organized party support, Bowser said he’s undaunted by future prospects. Also, he predicts an upswing for the city of roughly 65,000 residents as the economy revives.

“Why not?” Bowser said of his decision to seek reelection. “There’s always things you start that you want to see completed.”

From the looks of their early start, Bowser’s challengers plan to put up a vigorous campaign. Interviews with each candidate outlined a pattern of campaign issues revolving around jobs, taxes, schools, reducing crime and revitalizing the city’s commercial district.

Kevin TaylorCourtesy of Kevin Taylor

And they don’t pull any punches when pointing to Bowser’s four terms in office.

“Central Avenue (and) Main Street look like a flea market,” he said. “I’m here because my city is in trouble,” he added. Pushing creative means of generating revenue, Kevin Taylor proposed developing the more than 2,000 acres of land that East Orange has owned for years in other municipalities like Millburn and Livingston.

Clark, a three-term Essex freeholder, noted that “some of the issues are systemic” but said residents long for bygone years when East Orange was known as a gem in the county.

Carol ClarkCourtesy of Essex County

“I may never be able to bring it back to its original splendor, but I know I can make it better,” said Clark, 62, who previously served on the East Orange council. She is not seeking another term as freeholder.

Bowser acknowledged the lagging economy but said he’s working in other ways to improve quality of life. He's touted the police department's reported 70 percent drop in crime during his administration. And last week, he announced a mentoring program for young men and a series of guest speakers from various careers to visit the high school and Cicely Tyson Elementary later this month. Also, the city has been in talks to bring in chain restaurants, he said.

But for challenger Lester Taylor, it’s too little too late.

“You can’t just blame the economy,” he said. The city is “starving for transformational change,” he said.

The younger Taylor may be Bowser’s biggest competition. With the backing of the party organization, the ambitious 38-year-old attorney has already made partner and speaks regularly of his work representing some of the state's largest urban school districts, which he specializes in at the firm. His campaign manager is Rasheida Smith, a New York-based consultant who managed Donald Payne Jr.’s successful primary campaign.

However, Bowser notes that Lester Taylor has only lived in East Orange for about six years, and was previously a Long Branch resident. Bowser said he is the city’s second longest serving mayor after former mayor Charles Martens.

“I beat the line before,” Bowser said. “Just because you’re on the line doesn’t guarantee you’re going to win. I think Lester Taylor’s problem is going to be nobody knows who he is.”